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Richmond mayoral candidates gathered for a live, televised forum hosted by VPM, 12 On Your Side and ChamberRVA at VPM headquarters on Tuesday.
The five candidates — Andreas Addison, Dr. Danny Avula, Michelle Mosby, Maurice Neblett and Harrison Roday — have just over a month to explain their plans to address issues that face the city.
Early voting is already underway, and VPAP reports that more than 4,700 votes have been cast. Election Day is Nov. 5.
Streamlining City Hall
Mosby and Addison, who are both small business owners, were asked what the biggest issue facing Richmond businesses was and how they would solve it.
Mosby said City Hall needs a culture shift and a technological revamp. Addison said Richmond needs a stronger economic development authority to help support new businesses.
Both agreed that adequate training is essential for City Hall employees.
“We need updated technology, upgraded technology that will provide accuracy,” Mosby said. “We need to ensure that our employees are trained to this technology, to our processes, so that they can be at their best and provide services at their best.”
Candidates also addressed issues in the city’s finance department that have led to ongoing problems around meals tax payments.
Mosby said aside from technology upgrades, the city needs a dedicated employee to have conversations with businesses and enact new policies.
“It's having someone in our office that is accountable to our businesses, our small businesses, so that we're keeping up with what's transpiring,” Mosby said.
Avula chimed in: “I've talked to a lot of restaurant owners who have expressed frustration. I think this is a good example of where the trust in local government has eroded because of poor execution.”
Avula’s solution? Looking at the existing processes, streamlining, making investments in technology and expanding staff.
City infrastructure
Neblett was asked if he would support closing Carytown to drivers and turning it into a pedestrian mall. He said it would need to be a collective decision, and business owners would need to weigh-in, too.
“I am in business; that is ideal. I love outdoor malls,” Neblett said, mentioning Stony Point Fashion Park and Short Pump Town Center.
But what about driving to those shopping destinations? A four-way stop or roundabout? Candidates all agreed that the city’s roundabouts need to be improved, so drivers can navigate them more easily.
Avula said roundabouts are helpful traffic measures — but can lead to cyclist and pedestrian deaths.
“When I'm on a bike, I prefer a four-way stop," Roday said. "I think roundabouts can work, if they're done correctly.”
Public health
Avula said strengthening regional partnerships is key to addressing mental health issues facing Richmond’s youngest residents and the unhoused population.
“If we were able to partner with our region to build 400 units of permanent supportive housing, we could significantly change the life for unhoused individuals in this region,” he said.
Neblett said his focus would be on minimizing mental health stressors.
“We do need to resolve the housing crisis while providing affordable home ownership, as well as implement greenery to help our environment — and help individuals to enjoy their setting,” Neblett said.
Along with the increased demand for mental health services, the city has also been dealing with drug overdoses.
Roday said one solution is providing more services for youth and investing in nonprofits that aid residents.
Neblett proposed a fentanyl task force.
“That way we crack down on fentanyl distribution, and we can aid in mental health services and recovery for fentanyl [users],” Neblett said.
City property taxes
City Councilor Reva Trammell recently proposed dropping Richmond's real estate tax rate from $1.20 to $1.16 per $100 of assessed value. In September, Trammell said she has the votes needed to pass the plan.
City council could vote on the issue at its Oct. 15 meeting.
On Tuesday, Roday was asked if he supported lowering the rate.
“I don't think a citywide real estate tax cut is prudent at this time. First of all, it would largely be a tax cut that benefits our wealthiest homeowners,” Roday said. “And second, it would jeopardize funding for critical city services, like public education, and funding that we should be putting in projects, like access to additional affordable housing.”
Instead, Roday said he would aim to help residents who have issues covering the tax.
Addison said his plan would lower the tax burden and incentivize the use of vacant properties.
“We've got 1,000 vacant parcels all across the city, whether single family or commercially zoned, that need to be activated,” Addison said. “[We] need to focus on driving the change in investment to activate housing, jobs and first-floor retail to transform our city.”
Upcoming mayoral forums, debates
Tuesday’s forum won’t be the last time the mayoral candidates meet before Election Day. Here’s a list of upcoming events:
- Arts & Culture Mayoral Forum, organized by CultureWorks and partners
6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 8, Virginia Repertory Theatre, 114 W. Broad St. - 5th District Mayoral Forum, organized by the Office of Councilor Stephanie Lynch
6-8 p.m. Oct. 10, Richmond High School for the Arts, 4314 Crutchfield St. - 2024 Richmond Mayoral Debate, sponsored by Richmond First, WTVR, VMHC/John Marshall Center
7-8 p.m. Oct.15, will air live on WTVR - Mayorathon, collaboration among over 20 Richmond community organizations
6-8 p.m. Oct. 23, Richmond Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.
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